How to style a black dress
Everything you need to know about styling this timeless classic
A black dress, or the ‘little black dress’ (LBD), is a fashion icon past and present. From Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn to Kate Moss and Julia Roberts, this classic piece has proven its sartorial influence time and time again. Easily styled up or down, it’s a timeless classic and wardrobe staple which – once you’ve found your perfect silhouette – you’ll return to time and time again. Our black dresses are versatile, playful and reliable, each once can be styled up for the perfect going-out outfit or dressed down in the day. And, because the magic is in styling a black dress the right way, here’s how we wear them for every occasion.
Tips for styling a black dress
When building a timeless outfit, opting for a simple black dress as your starting point will create the perfect blank canvas. Finding the right shape, length and cut is key to creating an understated look, so why not start by browsing our collection first for some black dress outfit ideas and a touch of inspiration.
Find your style
Our collection has a range of black dresses suitable for whatever your mood or occasion – from maxi to mini and, our personal favourite, the classic midi. Finding a style that works for any and all eventualities will make this piece work even harder in your wardrobe. What’s more, pay attention to the details for a compliment-inducing style. Whether that’s a puff sleeve, a ruched waist or spaghetti straps, the finer details are guaranteed to influence how you style a black dress.
Black dress outfits for every occasion
Now that you’ve found your forever style, it’s down to layers and accessories to complete the look. Enter: our collection of bags, jewellery, jackets and shoes to take your black dress from casual to classic in a few easy steps.
Time to accessorise
Accessories play an important part in transforming a casual black dress for going out and will just as easily transform a slinky black dress for the daytime. For an easy way to accessorise a sleek silhouette for the evening look, pair the Judy jersey dress or knitted black dress with our Alba bag and Livia choker for some sparkle. Or, toughen up a feminine shape like our Taylah midi dress or Kiana dress by adding some hardware: our Brindisi leather belt is perfect for cinching in your waist, and our studded Angelina bag will fit in everything you need for a spontaneous night out.
Top to toe
Choosing the right shoes to wear with your black dress will allow this investment style to flex with the seasons. In the summer months, anything goes. For a fun look, style up a casual shape by opting for a bright pair of heels or, as the weather heats up, pair with a chunky sandal for extra height and added comfort. A black dress can easily be styled up or down with the right pair of shoes in the colder months too, especially our T-shirt dresses. Add a chunky boot and layer with sheer tights for a casual black dress outfit and swap the flats out for some heeled boots in the shorter evenings.
Throw on and go
The simplicity of a black dress is part of its allure, so sometimes all you have to do to take this pared-back silhouette from day to night is find the right jacket to wear with a black dress. For a smart look, think about clean lines and textures. Layering a structured blazer like our Jenna blazer or Ariyanna cropped blazer can instantly elevate a casual black dress. Equally, bringing some texture to your outfit with our Saffron boucle jacket or Andy quilted jacket will contrast the simplicity and smarten up your look. For chilled out date nights and summer evenings, denim and khaki are a black dress’s best friend. Throw on our best-selling Pippa utility jacket and trainers for an easy look, or opt for our Talia denim jacket to create a timeless combo for your on-the-go casual black dress outfit.
